Wilson: Call SSA if suspect someone using number

Posted: Sunday, June 30, 2002

Ruth Wilson

Q. I believe that someone else is using my Social Security Number. What do I do?

A. Sometimes more than one person might use the same Social Security number, either on purpose or by accident. If you suspect that someone else is using your SSN for work or some other purpose, or you have received notice from the Internal Revenue Service of unreported taxable income that is not yours, you should report the problem to the Social Security Administration by calling toll free to (800) 772-1213. Our representatives will take action to ensure that your Social Security records are correct.

You can check your earnings record by calling our 800 number and asking for a Form SSA-7004, Request for Earnings and Benefit Estimate Statement. The statement will show the earnings reported to your Social Security number each year since 1951.

If the information on your earnings record is incorrect, we will help correct it. Also, you may download the form or make your request online. You can make on online request on our Web site at: http://www.ssa.gov/statement/

You may download Form SSA-7004 from our Web site at: http://www.ssa.gov/online/ssa-7004.html

The Federal Trade Commission also makes available on its Web site the publication: "Identity Theft: When Bad Things Happen to Your Good Name," at http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/conline/pubs/credit/idtheft.htm.

What actions should I take if I might be a victim of identity theft?

If your SSN has been used to run up bills or obtain credit, Social Security cannot straighten out your credit record. However, we suggest you take the following steps to straighten out your personal records:

1. Check your SSA earnings record. Verify with SSA the accuracy of the reported earnings and request correction if necessary.